why make this recipe
Mardi Gras King Cake is a delicious tradition that celebrates the vibrant festivities of Mardi Gras. This colorful cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun centerpiece for any celebration. Making your own King Cake allows you to customize the flavors, colors, and even the filling. Plus, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of creating a special dish that brings together family and friends.
how to make Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 packet instant rise yeast
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp, separated
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- Stand mixer & paddle attachment
- Bench scraper
- Small bowls
- Liquid measuring cup
- Dry measuring cups
- Fork or small whisk
- Pastry brush
- King Cake Baby
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Remove an egg from the fridge and place it in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to bring it to room temperature.
- In a bowl, add warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir with a fork or whisk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, pour the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter into your stand mixer (or whisk by hand).
- Mix until combined, then add the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and more flour. Mix until well incorporated.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes.
- When the dough ball is smooth, place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large bowl, then place the dough on top. Cover and let it rise in a warm place (preferably near the oven) for 60 minutes.
- After 60 minutes, punch down the dough to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead again for 1-2 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 20 inches long.
- Brush softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the entire dough. Sprinkle on pecans if using.
- Tightly roll the dough longways, like a jelly roll.
- Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined baking dish. Bring the ends together to form a circle or oval and seal with water or milk.
- Cover and let rise for another 60 minutes. Brush with milk before baking.
- Bake in a 375-degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes.
how to serve Mardi Gras King Cake
Serve the King Cake as a centerpiece for your Mardi Gras celebration. You can cut it into slices and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or a festive drink. Don’t forget to hide the King Cake Baby inside before serving for some fun!
how to store Mardi Gras King Cake
If you have leftovers, store the King Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for a longer shelf life, but it is best enjoyed fresh.
tips to make Mardi Gras King Cake
- Make sure your milk is warm but not hot to activate the yeast properly.
- Knead the dough until it is smooth, which will help create a fluffy texture.
- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or fruit.
- Use festive colors for the icing to get into the Mardi Gras spirit.
variation
For a different twist, try adding flavored cream cheese or fruit preserves as a filling. You can also create mini King Cakes for individual servings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
A: Yes, but you will need to activate it in warm water with some sugar before adding it to the dough.
Q: What kind of decorations should I use?
A: Traditionally, King Cakes are decorated with purple, green, and gold sugar. You can also use icing to create fun designs.
Q: Can I freeze the King Cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake after it cools completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Mardi Gras King Cake
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk Make sure milk is warm but not hot.
- 1 packet instant rise yeast You can use active dry yeast, but it needs activation.
- 1/4 cup melted butter Plus 6 tablespoons for topping.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar Plus 1 tablespoon, separated.
- 2 large eggs Bring 1 egg to room temperature.
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp olive oil For greasing bowl.
Filling Ingredients
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans Optional.
Icing Ingredients
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1.5 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.
- Place the egg in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to bring it to room temperature.
- In a bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir and let sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour the yeast mixture, eggs, and melted butter into a stand mixer and mix until combined.
- Add the flour, remaining sugar, salt, and mix until well incorporated.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
- Place 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl, add dough, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 60 minutes.
Baking
- Punch down the dough and knead for 1-2 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a 20-inch long rectangle.
- Spread softened butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar over the dough. Sprinkle with pecans, if using.
- Roll dough tightly and shape into a circle or oval, sealing with water or milk.
- Cover and let rise for another 60 minutes. Brush with milk before baking.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the cake cool for 15-20 minutes.